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03/23/15 @ 1:53 am EST
FromBleeding Cool and Dan Wickline:With their recent launch of their Altered States books, Dynamite has created a new vehicle for “ Elseworlds” type stories with their library of classic and iconic characters. They started off with Vampirella on another planet, Red Sonja in modern day that then gets turn into the Hyborian world, Doc Savage turned into a primitive savage and The Shadow traveling to another dimension. Well, as a writer you tell me that you can take an establish character and start over with them, my curiosity gets peaked. So here are five OTHER characters from the Dynamite library that are just begging to have the Altered States treatment… and maybe an idea of what I think they should do. THE LONE RANGER – He may not have done well in the theater, but The Lone Ranger is a classic and well-loved character but he is rarely taken out of his element. So what if we take him sci-fi… into deeps space as an invading force enters the galaxy and Earth sends out its fleet to stop it only to be annihilated except for a single pilot who crash lands on a moon of Jupiter and is saved by one of the inhabitants… an alien named Tonto. And from there it becomes a story about two one-man ships trying to take out an armada. THE GREEN HORNET – Another character that didn’t fare well at the box office but has a strong following… what is we make him an Admiral in the British Fleet whose ship in destroyed by pirates. So he puts together a new ship and crew, but not of British soldiers… but of other pirates, using their tactics and knowledge to attack other pirate ships. His crew has no idea of his past or his desire to rid the seas of pirates… they just know they are getting plenty of booty. He wears a green mask and only his first mate Kato knows the truth. JOHN CARTER: WARLORD OF MARS – Okay, now it seems like I’m just picking on the properties with unsuccessful films, but I think I have a good idea here. It’s slightly the future and a company has discovered a way to make a portal to Mars. The military is brought in and team is sent through to basically set up a base to start stripping the resources from the planet. John Carter is part of that team and is the first to discover the natives and just what devastation the Humans will cause. He tries to get the company to stop the project but they refuse… so Carter does what he must, he picks up arms with the Badoon. JENNIFER BLOOD – A female vigilante is a fun character, but let’s take her into the future with cities building up into the sky, cars that fly and crimes that automatically get you the death sentence. There are no cops, no second chance and there are cameras everywhere in the city. Citywatch sees a crime and notifies an eradication officer like Blood to take out the criminal. It’s an efficient system of justice until Blood herself is found guilty. Now she must stay alive and find out why she is marked for eradication. JUNGLE GIRL – The Frank Cho creation could be taken to a very different jungle. Jana wakes up after a fifty-year cryogenic sleep to find the world in ruins. Cities are overgrown with planet life, making it a mix of city and jungle. Most of humanity is either dead or have turned into zombies. Jana must figure out what happened and how to survive before she becomes one of the undead. The unique thing here is it’s a post-apocalyptic city/jungle with zombies. You don’t get a lot of zombies in the jungle. That was five ideas using five different established characters all in about an hour. This goes to show just how amazingly viable an idea like this is for creators. Its why so many of the Elseworld stories not only are loved by fans but are occasionally brought back even though DC stopped doing them. Altered States titles are great ways to get a thrilling adventure with a familiar character without having to know anything about them. I bet our readers here could come up with a half dozen of their own in no time. And Dynamite has a very cool library of characters to play with. (Source: Bleeding Cool) 
09/13/25 @ 1:15 pm EST
Eric Kripke, the creator and showrunner of the hit series " The Boys," recently shared an exciting update about the highly anticipated spin-off, " The Boys: Mexico." In a recent interview, Kripke revealed that the pilot for " The Boys: Mexico" is currently in development and described the project as "super fun" with a "totally different tone" compared to the original series. Kripke emphasized that while the new spin-off will exist within the same universe as " The Boys," it will offer a unique perspective and style. He praised the involvement of executive producers Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, noting that they are deeply engaged with the project. The script for the pilot, penned by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, is reportedly "good," and Kripke expressed confidence in its potential. " The Boys: Mexico" was first announced in 2023, and the series is expected to film in Mexico, though specific plot details remain under wraps. Bernal and Luna, who are longtime friends and collaborators, may also appear in the series, albeit in smaller roles. This new spin-off is part of a broader expansion of " The Boys" universe, which includes other projects like " Gen V," " Vought Rising," and the animated series " The Boys Presents: Diabolical”. With " The Boys" preparing to wrap up its fifth and final season in 2026, " The Boys: Mexico" represents a significant step in continuing the franchise's legacy and exploring new narratives within its satirical superhero world. 
09/13/25 @ 12:38 pm EST
Sean Astin, the beloved actor known for his roles in " The Lord of the Rings," " Stranger Things," and " Rudy," has been elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, program hosts, recording artists, and other entertainment and media professionals . Astin, who is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke, succeeds Fran Drescher, who served as the union's president for four years . Astin's election marks a significant moment for the union, as he received an overwhelming 79% of the vote, defeating his opponent, Chuck Slavin . Michelle Hurd, known for her roles in " Ash vs. Evil Dead," " Blindspot," and " Star Trek: Picard," was elected as the union's secretary-treasurer . In his acceptance speech, Astin expressed his gratitude to the members for their support and emphasized the importance of optimism and creativity as the union navigates through challenging times . He also acknowledged the legacy of his mother, Patty Duke, who served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988 . Astin's election comes at a critical time for SAG-AFTRA, as the union prepares for upcoming contract negotiations with the major studios. The industry is facing numerous challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence on performers' work, streaming residuals, and the increasing costs of healthcare . Astin's leadership and experience on various negotiating committees will be crucial in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights and interests of the union's members . With his extensive career in Hollywood and strong union ties, Astin is well-positioned to lead SAG-AFTRA into a future defined by confidence, progress, and fierce advocacy . His election is a testament to the trust and support he has garnered from the union's members, and his commitment to representing their interests and ensuring their voices are heard .  ...
09/07/25 @ 1:37 pm EST
The first three episodes of Peacemaker season two has led to a lot of speculation about the “Best Dimension Ever” as Chris Smith calls it and just what might be the big twist coming up later in the season. And while we are not getting into the spoiler game, we thought it would be helpful to explain what everyone is talking about. So possibly spoilers if everyone is guessing right. Leave now if you don’t want to know. Still here? Okay. In DC Comics’ multiverse, few alternate Earths are as haunting and politically charged as Earth-X. First introduced in Justice League of America #107 (1973), Earth-X imagines a world where Nazi Germany won World War II, plunging the planet into a totalitarian nightmare. Earth-X is a parallel universe within DC’s Pre-Crisis Multiverse. Unlike Earth-One or Earth-Two, Earth-X is defined by its alternate historical trajectory: the Axis powers emerged victorious in WWII, and the Nazi regime continues to dominate global affairs well into the 20th century. Some of the unique things about the dimension is that there were no native superheroes originally existed on Earth-X. The planet’s defenders are immigrants from Earth-Two, led by the patriotic spirit Uncle Sam. The world is locked in a perpetual struggle between fascist control and scattered resistance movements. To combat the oppressive regime, Uncle Sam formed the Freedom Fighters, a ragtag team of heroes from other Earths who chose to stay and fight that includes: The Ray, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, Human Bomb, and Red Bee. Doll Man was mentioned in season one of Peacemaker. These characters came from DC’s acquisition of Quality Comics similar to how Peacemaker was part of DC’s acquisition of Charlton Comics. If this is the direction James Gunn is going in season two, and the clues so far do point in this general direction, this would not be the first time we’ve seen Earth X represented in live action. The Arrowverse did a crossover event called Crisis on Earth-X which introduced us to variations of characters like Green Arrow and Supergirl and brought the Ray to television screens. While this remains to be just speculation, the reality that Peacemaker is visiting does have a few oddities to it that are leading fans to this idea including how Chris along with his dad and brother are revered when Auggie was an over-the-top racist in the main DCU. And then if you look closely when Chris is in that reality you’ll notice an extreme lack of diversity among the background actors where Gunn is known for the opposite in his other projects. While this may not end up being Earth-X, it does feel like Gunn is setting up a twist that will pull the rug out from under Peacemaker.  ... 09/07/25 @ 1:09 pm EST
The first night of the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards lit up the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles with a celebration of television’s behind-the-scenes brilliance and standout guest performances. While the Primetime Emmys are still a week away, this precursor event honored the artisans, designers, and guest stars who bring depth and texture to the small screen. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and standout moments from Night One: 1. The Studio (Apple TV+) – 9 Wins Apple TV+’s satirical drama The Studio dominated the evening, taking home nine trophies. Among its accolades: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Bryan Cranston 2. The Penguin (HBO) – 8 Wins HBO’s gritty crime drama The Penguin followed closely with eight awards, showcasing its technical prowess: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Prosthetic Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Contemporary Costumes for a Limited Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Hairstyling <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Sound Editing and Mixing <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Special Visual Effects 3. Severance (Apple TV+) – 6 Wins The psychological thriller Severance continued its critical streak: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Production Design <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Merritt Wever 4. Arcane (Netflix) – 4 Wins The animated series Arcane impressed with: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Outstanding Animated Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Character Voice-Over Performance – Julie Andrews <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Background and Color Design Notable Guest Acting Wins <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Bryan Cranston ( The Studio) – Guest Actor in a Drama Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Julianne Nicholson ( Hacks) – Guest Actress in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Shawn Hatosy ( The Pitt) – Guest Actor in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Merritt Wever ( Severance) – Guest Actress in a Drama Series Craft and Design Highlights <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Bridgerton dazzled with a win for Outstanding Period Costumes <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> House of the Dragon earned recognition for Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Andor took home awards for Costumes, Production Design, and Picture Editing With Night Two set to continue the celebration of television’s finest in writing, casting, and editing, the Creative Arts Emmys have already set a high bar. And with The Studio, The Penguin, and Severance leading the charge, the Primetime Emmys promise a thrilling showdown.  ... 09/06/25 @ 1:40 pm EST
The DC Universe is expanding rapidly, and with James Gunn’s announcement of Man of Tomorrow—the next chapter in the Superman Saga—fans are dissecting every social media breadcrumb for clues. One of the most intriguing reactions came from Lanterns star Aaron Pierre, whose subtle comment has ignited speculation that his portrayal of John Stewart may leap from HBO Max to the big screen. James Gunn revealed Man of Tomorrow will hit theaters on July 9, 2027, featuring returning stars David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Though Gunn clarified it’s not a direct sequel to Superman (2025), the film is expected to be a major ensemble piece, continuing the “Superman Saga” with a broader Justice Gang presence. Aaron Pierre, who is set to debut as John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns next year, responded to Gunn’s Instagram post with a simple but tantalizing comment: “Yes, indeed!”. While brief, the timing and context of the comment—especially as a reply to Hawkgirl actress Isabela Merced’s “See you soon”—suggest Pierre may be hinting at his involvement in Man of Tomorrow. Fans immediately latched onto the exchange, interpreting it as a soft confirmation that Stewart will join Superman, Hawkgirl, and potentially other Justice Gang members in the upcoming film. Given Stewart’s prominence in DC lore and his longstanding partnership with Superman in animated series like Justice League Unlimited, the move would make narrative sense. Pierre’s portrayal of John Stewart is already generating buzz ahead of Lanterns, where he stars opposite Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner. Stewart is expected to be the emotional anchor of the series, and many believe he’s being positioned as the DCU’s flagship Green Lantern. Pierre’s comment joins a wave of social media teases from other cast members. Isabela Merced, Rachel Brosnahan, and Skyler Gisondo have all hinted at their return, while rumors swirl around appearances by Supergirl, Peacemaker, and even Lobo. Though Gunn has yet to confirm Pierre’s involvement, the director has stated that Man of Tomorrow will feature “a group of characters we’ve already met”—a description that fits Stewart perfectly.  ... 09/06/25 @ 1:31 pm EST
Marvel fans have been buzzing for weeks, dissecting every cryptic post and offhand comment from Ryan Reynolds in hopes of confirming Deadpool’s involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Now, Reynolds has finally addressed the rumors—and in true Deadpool fashion, he’s left us with more questions than answers. It all began with a seemingly innocuous Instagram post: Reynolds shared an image of the Avengers logo spray-painted with a red “A,” igniting speculation that Deadpool would join the MCU’s biggest ensemble since Endgame. The timing was suspicious—just weeks after Marvel unveiled the Doomsday cast, notably without Reynolds’ name. During a press tour for his new documentary John Candy: I Like Me, Reynolds was asked point-blank about his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. His response? “There’s four [John Candy Easter eggs] that I’ve got in there. Of course, I’ve written them all at home in my PJs, and nobody’s seen ’em nor have I stepped foot on set. But, yeah, that’s about as far as I’ll go on that one.” It’s a classic Reynolds dodge—playful, vague, and just enough to keep fans guessing. In a separate interview, Reynolds clarified that the red “A” logo wasn’t a tease for Doomsday, but rather a variant flag design from Deadpool & Wolverine that didn’t make the final cut. He explained: “That was just a flag. I came across it and thought, ‘Oh yeah, I loved that flag. The red and black vibe.’” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted that not all cast members have been revealed, leaving the door wide open for Reynolds to make a surprise appearance. While Reynolds remains coy, insiders suggest that even if Deadpool doesn’t appear in Doomsday, he may play a pivotal role in Avengers: Secret Wars, the Phase 6 finale. With a solo X-Men project reportedly in development, the Merc with a Mouth isn’t going anywhere.  ... 08/31/25 @ 1:37 pm EST
It’s a weird weekend at the box office as Weapons returns to first place on its fourth weekend with $12.4M for the four-day stretch. A re-release of the classic Jaws takes second with $9.8M while the two new releases Caught Stealing ($9.5M) and Roses ($8M) take third and fifth respectively. Also on it’s fourth weekend, Freakier Friday pulls in $8.3M for fourth place. The big summer superhero films are hanging on with the Fantastic Four making $6M for seventh place and Superman swooping up another $3.28M even though it has already been released on home consumption. Not quite breaking into the top ten is the Toxic Avengers finally getting a theatrical release and earning $2.2 million over the holiday weekend.  08/31/25 @ 1:12 pm EST
With the new season of Peacemaker underway, DC fans have been wondering about the announced series set to focus on Amanda Waller, former head of ARGUS and Taskforce X. While on-line scoopers have called the series dead, co-head of DC Studios, James Gunn says that Viola Davis lead series is still in the works. The writer/director of Superman told People, “We’re working on it, so we’ll see what happens. Some things have moved faster than others. Waller’s not been the fastest. But I can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again.” The series was originally planned to run prior to the second season of Peacemaker, but Gunn has admitted that Waller has been a difficult series to crack and that he wrote the second season of Peacemaker quickly, which is why it came out first. The most recent update had Christal Henry from Watchmen and Doom Patrol creator Jeremy Carver on board to write the series, but those announcements were made a few years back.  08/30/25 @ 1:58 pm EST
Fans eager to return to the blood-soaked arenas of Outworld will have to wait a little longer. Warner Bros. has officially delayed the release of Mortal Kombat II, moving the highly anticipated sequel from its original October 24, 2025 slot to May 15, 2026. According to studio insiders, the decision wasn’t due to production issues—the film is reportedly completed and has already screened for press. Instead, Warner Bros. is making a strategic play, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative early summer box office window. The move mirrors the success of Final Destination: Bloodlines, which opened in mid-May and raked in over $50 million. An official post from the studio teased, “The tournament demands a new time and place, worthy of its spectacle”—a fittingly dramatic justification for the shift. The sequel introduces Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, a fan-favorite character who was notably absent from the 2021 reboot. Urban has described the film as “a significant level-up,” comparing it to how The Road Warrior elevated the Mad Max franchise. The trailer, which broke records with over 106 million views in 24 hours, showcases the franchise’s signature fatalities and brutal choreography. Directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, Mortal Kombat II promises to deliver the full tournament fans craved in the first film. This time, Earthrealm’s champions will face off against interdimensional foes in a no-holds-barred battle to stop the dark reign of Shao Kahn. The new release date places the film between The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1) and The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22), giving it a prime spot to dominate the box office.  08/30/25 @ 1:45 pm EST
At today’s Destination D23 presentation, Marvel Studios pulled back the curtain—just slightly—on one of its most anticipated projects: Avengers: Doomsday. In a pre-recorded video message from the set in London, directors Joe and Anthony Russo addressed fans with palpable excitement, calling the film “the biggest movie they’ve ever made”. The Russo Brothers, known for helming Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, are back in action, this time tackling a multiversal crisis of unprecedented scale. Filming is underway at Pinewood Studios and other international locations, including Bahrain and Windsor Great Park. The directors were joined in the video by Paul Rudd, who playfully interrupted their message, blocking the camera and turning the update into a light-hearted moment that delighted fans. Rudd added, “We’re surrounded by jaw-dropping sets and some truly incredible talent… Bringing this story to the big screen means the world to us, and we couldn’t do it without your support”. The film is co-written by Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron (creator of Loki), with cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel ( Bohemian Rhapsody, X-Men: Days of Future Past) and production design by Kasra Farahani. The plot centers on the collapse of the multiverse, with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes racing to stop catastrophic incursions—collisions between realities that threaten existence itself. At the heart of the chaos is Victor Von Doom, played by none other than Robert Downey Jr., marking a dramatic shift from his iconic role as Tony Stark. Doomsday is slated for release on December 18, 2026, followed by its sequel Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.  |
